Locals react to legalization of same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania

One couple, married in April, said marriage celebrates their love and also allows legal benefits

Douglas Hartzel, left, and his partner Chuck Lambert, of West Manchester Township, were celebrating 10 years together when this photo was taken in 2011. On April 10, 2014, the couple got married in Maryland. On Tuesday, their marriage was recognized by the state of Pennsylvania after the ban on marriage equality was overturned by a federal judge. Submitted

Chuck Lambert was at work Tuesday when he heard the news.

"I was at work but checking Facebook all day," he said with a laugh.

Lambert and his partner, Douglas Hartzel, have been together for 13 years. They own a home in West Manchester Township and married April 10 in Westminster, Md. Lambert was anxious to know whether Pennsylvania's ban on gay marriage would be overturned.

When U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III's ruling was announced around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Lambert was elated.

"We're just really happy that our home state recognizes us, too," Lambert said. "What's really great is there is no stay on this (ruling), so it's effective immediately."

Lambert said he and Hartzel wanted to marry to signify their love after spending 13 years together. But they were also interested in the legal benefits.

"The most important thing is the federal benefits," Lambert said. "When you own property with someone, that's a big deal. If my partner would die, I would have to pay nearly a 45 percent inheritance tax on property I already own."

Not any more, Lambert said.

He said he and Hartzel aren't planning a celebration because they held a big party for their 10th anniversary, and they celebrated after they were married in April.

Others reflect on ruling

Former Republican state representative Ron Miller, who has previously spoken out in opposition to legalizing gay marriage, was unaware of the ruling when reached by phone Tuesday afternoon.

A 'win for love'

For years, Rev. Robert F. Renjilian has officiated over civil unions for same-sex couples, many of whom wanted nothing more than to have their relationships recognized, he said.

Now, thanks to the ruling, the leader of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York said he will have the honor of presiding over weddings, rather than unions.

"I think it is a win for love," Renjilian said. "It takes away the artificial distinction so that now same sex couples will have the right to make the commitment of marriage. We will have couples celebrating their own marriage, which they have denied before this moment. I will be overjoyed to officiate."

Renjilian said he would "love" it if a rush of same-sex couples came to him wanting to marry.

"I will do the same for all couples," he said. "I will get to know them, help plan their ceremony and move forward in that way."

They can finally marry

Kimberley Heidler of Codorus Township stood at a poll in New Freedom Tuesday, handing out information about Republican candidate Gene Montanerelli, who was running for the new 169th House District.

She said he supports the same values that she holds. He's fiscally conservative. He supports the Second Amendment. He recognizes that as America becomes more middle of the road, more middle of the road people are needed in office to reflect the populous.

He also has an understanding that women's rights and gay rights are not going to be put on the back burner, she said.

She said she heard that a judge had overturned the same-sex marriage ban while she was at work. She left in tears.

She called her girlfriend on the way to the poll and told her that means they can finally marry.

"This is something I never thought I'd have in my lifetime," she said, wiping away tears.

Heidler said she and her partner have attended a lot of weddings together, but they never wanted to marry out of state. Unless its recognized by the state and federal government, it's meaningless, she said, adding "I think we're getting there."

Montanarelli said he was pleased with the ruling, because "it has to be equality for all people."

Weighing in

At a poll in Springettsbury Township, voter Marcia Mahan was not happy with the ruling.

"I don't think it's a judge's decision," she said.

Sherri Reitano had a different reaction, saying: "Everyone should have the same rights."

Change the court

State Rep. Will Tallman, a Republican from Adams County, was busy with the primary Tuesday, but offered his opinion.

"I think our Supreme Court justice needs to be changed," Tallman said. "DOMA should stand as it was. The general assembly passed that because that is what the will of the people is."

Appreciate the support

Brian Tate and his husband, both surrounded by family and friends, were married last year in Baltimore and in York.

On Tuesday, Tate, vice president of philanthropy for the York County Community Foundation, said a post he put up on Facebook in support of the ruling garnered many positive comments.

"I appreciate that marriage in Pennsylvania is now inclusive for all," he said.

About the judge

Judge John E. Jones III made national news in a York County case in 2005 when he ruled that intelligent design could not be mentioned in a public school's science curriculum.

Jones' ruling said that intelligent design is not science but a "re-labeling of creationism," and thus violated the First Amendment's prohibition on "laws respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting free exercise thereof."

Eleven Dover Area School District parents had sued the district over the inclusion in ninth-grade biology curriculum of a four-paragraph statement that mentioned intelligent design.

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